Procedure: This drill needs a softball and gloves. Situate the fielding team in their regular positions. Put a base runner on third. The coach places a softball somewhere behind the catcher without the catcher knowing where. On the “go” command the base runner sprints for home plate. The catcher turns to locate the softball, and the pitcher runs to cover home plate. When the catcher locates the ball, he turns and tosses it to the pitcher covering home. The pitcher tags the sliding runner with the ball.

This situation occurs in almost every youth softball game and is very rarely practiced. This is an easy drill to set up and if practiced correctly, can prepare players for real game situations.

1 While running to cover home plate, the pitcher should yell to the catcher where the ball is if the catcher has trouble locating it.

2. The catcher should concentrate only on locating the ball. After doing so, he should turn and toss !he ball underhand and low to the pitcher so that the pitchers glove will be in a good position to tag the sliding base runner.

3. The pitcher should concentrate on catching the ball before turning toward the base runner.
Because this is practice, the base runner should, at first, slow up a few feet before reaching home plate so that fielders can effectively practice the drill.

4. When this play occurs, either In practice or in a game, the second baseman should move to the base of the plate to back up the toss to the pitcher. This backup can prevent additional runs if the catcher overthrows the Loss to the pitcher and there is more than one runner on base.

5. Rotate all of the pitchers and catchers in this drill.

]]>https://softballdrill.wordpress.com/2012/03/27/softball-infield-drills-wild-pitch-runner-on-third/feed/0MarcSoftball Infield Drills – WORM AND TURN DRILLhttps://softballdrill.wordpress.com/2012/01/24/coaching-softball-a-case-for-second-base/
https://softballdrill.wordpress.com/2012/01/24/coaching-softball-a-case-for-second-base/#respondTue, 24 Jan 2012 05:49:45 +0000http://softballdrill.wordpress.com/2012/01/24/coaching-softball-a-case-for-second-base/Coaching Softball - A Case for Second Base]]>Purpose: Teach the second baseman the footwork needed for turning a double play when the ball is hit deep in the hole to the shortstop. Coaching softball entails teaching everything there is to know on the field and it is important to take time to practice learned skill.
Procedure: this drill is located in the infield around second base. prepare a crate of softballs, a base. Coach hits the ball in the hole between the shortstop and second base using a fungo bat. The shortstop should move to field the batted ball and make the throw to second base . The second baseman should move to cover second base, timing her arrival at second base so that she gets to the base at the same moment the ball arrives on the throw from the shortstop. The second baseman should turn the double play using the proper sequence of the footwork. Her left foot touches the bag, her right foot steps backward in the dirt, her left foot is on the dirt on the rightfield side of second base. The second baseman should hold her hands open at chest level, forming an angle with his palms facing the ball and his fingers pointing to the sky. The second baseman should receive the throw at the back point of the base. After receiving the throw from the shortstop, the second baseman should then simulate the throw to first base and hop over an imaginary player who is sliding to second base.

The second baseman should exhibit “happv feet” (i.e., feet continually moving in place in a short choppy manner), as she receives the throw and completes the double play. When the balI hits his glove, the second baseman should use the middle finger of her glove hand to push the ball out of her glove. This step results in the ball quickly popping out to the throwing hand. The second baseman’s throwing hand should always be held in a position to catch the ball once it is forced out of the glove. When completing the footwork of the double play the second baseman should point her left foot toward first to set open her hips.

Procedure: You will be using balls, bases, fungoes and gloves. Try to work in a lO-minute frame.
Part I: Start with the outfielders throwing twice to each base. First second base, then third, and finally home. Use cutoff people. Pitchers can field comebackers and work on throwing to 1st base. Catchers can be fielding bunts and throwing to first base as well.

Part II: Infielders should start by throwing the ball twice around the infield to each person. Then field a series of grounders. Get on the grass, and throw to home plate. Then throw twice to first base (first basemen throw to third). Work in the catchers at each stop. Next is “One and Cover” where the catcher throws to each base (make tags). Then perform two double plays each. Try a long throw from
deep in your position (use the backhand). Conclude it with a bare-handed toss and the catcher pop-up.

Daring Part II: Outfielders should catch fly balls as a group in center field. The instructor should stand in foul territory with a bucket of balls. Just keep hitting them one after another. Don’t use a cutoff man. After catching each variety (routine balls left and right, over the head, line drive, and shallow pop-up), toss the ball to an open area which is in front of and away from the group.

Part III: During the final infield scenario, line everyone up down the foul line on your dugout side. Exchange glove slaps. During the entire routine, hustle and talk it up. Throw the ball hard. Hit the cutoffperson- Use newer balls for a touch of class.

]]>https://softballdrill.wordpress.com/2011/09/11/softball-practice-drills-infield-outfield/feed/0MarcFree Softball Practice Drills – 444 Game (4vs4vs4)https://softballdrill.wordpress.com/2011/09/04/free-softball-practice-drills-444-game-4vs4vs4/
https://softballdrill.wordpress.com/2011/09/04/free-softball-practice-drills-444-game-4vs4vs4/#respondSun, 04 Sep 2011 10:10:38 +0000http://softballdrill.wordpress.com/?p=379]]>Purpose: To play an actual game with only 12 players. Having scrimmages is a good way to practice when tournament is about to start, this is a good softball coaching tip.

Procedure: Preapre a regular playing field, balls, bats, gloves Divide players into three teams of four players. Each tearn has at least one pitcher and catcher.One team is at bat. The other two take the field. Only two players play the outfield. One of the coaches can play an outfield position. Play a normal game. After the first team makes three outs, the next team is up. After they make three outs, the final team is up. Simulating real game situations is the best way to prepare for competition, the 444 game is a great way to do so. One coach calls balls and strikes behind the pitcher. Each team should have a catcher. If not, stealing might have to be suspended, To keep the game moving at a fast pace, limit each team to one time through its lineup four at-bats. To familiarize players with starting behind the count, start each player off with two strikes (0-2). This game is a great opportunity to try players at different positions.

Procedure: Have bucket of balls and gloves for this drill. Place two lines of three players in the outfield, one line in right center and the other in left center, 20 to 30 feet from each other. Divide the rest of the team into two lines 10 to 15 feet from each other in the infield: one at second base and the other at shortstop position. One coach stands five feet behind second base facing the outfield. Another coach stands five feet behind home plate facing the infield. Each coach tells the first two in each of his line to step up. The coach throws the ball between the two fielders, and the player who is the closest to the ball must scream three times, “I got it” or “Mine.” After catching the ball, the player throws it back to the coach. After each player has had a turn, the infield lines and out field lines should switch with one another.

This drill includes a lot of player movement and noise (communication) , distractions that players must leam to play with. When two players go after a fly ball, a hierarchy determines which position can call off the other. At the youth level, this must be simplified. Differenl methods work for different teams. Coaches should make sure that when fielders are finished, they run all the way to the outside of the drill area. The player who is closest to the ball usually has priority.

]]>https://softballdrill.wordpress.com/2011/08/17/softball-practice-drills-scream-drill/feed/0MarcSoftball Infield Drills – Defend Bunt with Man on Thirdhttps://softballdrill.wordpress.com/2011/08/16/softball-infield-drills-defend-bunt-with-man-on-third/
https://softballdrill.wordpress.com/2011/08/16/softball-infield-drills-defend-bunt-with-man-on-third/#respondTue, 16 Aug 2011 23:38:23 +0000http://softballdrill.wordpress.com/?p=373]]>Purpose: To develop defensive strategies against a runner on third trying to score on a bunt. Practicing bunt situations with man on third is a good softball defense drill.

Procedure: You will need one softball, a bat, and gloves. The pitcher throws the softball, and the batter bunts toward third. The third baseman fields the ball. The base runner anticipates the throw to first and begins to run home. The third baseman fields the ball pivots and immediately throws it to the shortstop covering third base. The shortstop applies the tag to the base runner who is trying to scramble back to third. Timing in this drill is important. As the base runner bounces off the base, the shortstop sneaks over to cover third. To remind the shortstop to cover third, the coach yells out a signal, such as, “Green,” as the third baseman charges to field the bunt. Upon hearing the coach yell, “Green,” the third baseman quickly turns and throws to the shortstop covering third base, The left fielder backs up the shortstop in case the ball is overthrown. If the player backs up correctly, a run can be saved.

]]>https://softballdrill.wordpress.com/2011/08/16/softball-infield-drills-defend-bunt-with-man-on-third/feed/0MarcIndoor Softball Drills – Action Ballhttps://softballdrill.wordpress.com/2011/08/02/indoor-softball-drills-action-ball/
https://softballdrill.wordpress.com/2011/08/02/indoor-softball-drills-action-ball/#respondTue, 02 Aug 2011 05:12:56 +0000http://softballdrill.wordpress.com/?p=365]]>Purpose: Stress line drives, being aggressive on a two-strike count, and putting the ball in play. Never watch a called third strike. This indoor game encompasses quick at-bats with balls flying off the floors, walls and ceilings. Knowing all fielding situations and practicing them is a good softball fielding tip for infielders.

Procedure: Prepare a bat and paper ball wrapped in athletic/duct tape. A diamond can be setup with short distances between each base if base runners are desired. The pitcher throws the paper ball slowly and over-hand from about 30 feet away. There are no home runs; only singles,doubles and triples. The instructor must keep track of “runner” location, number of outs, and score of the game. Ground, rules are set up and play begins. Singles can only score a runner from third base. The hitter has a 2-and-2 count. Ball four results in a new count. Outs Include: (1) swings-and-misses, (2) foul balls, and (3) any ball fielded cleanly off of the wall, ceiling or floor. There are no force outs or tag outs. Batters hit and then must sit down in the dugout. Bench people must sit down against a wall in the assigned batting order. Everyone plays defense.

]]>https://softballdrill.wordpress.com/2011/08/02/indoor-softball-drills-action-ball/feed/0MarcSoftball Infield Drills – Mini D!https://softballdrill.wordpress.com/2011/03/22/softball-infield-drills-mini-d/
https://softballdrill.wordpress.com/2011/03/22/softball-infield-drills-mini-d/#respondTue, 22 Mar 2011 04:48:30 +0000http://softballdrill.wordpress.com/?p=330]]>Purpose: Create a small field with bases about 20 to 30 feet apart as away to explain strategy and certain game situations. It is important to practice softball plays when coaching softball.

Procedure: Drill will be needing bases, balls and gloves. Have nine players take the field with everyone else watching. Rotate each player into the field after five plays. Use base runners at a later time . The instructor (will throw the ball where she wants it to go) can mimic bunt coverage, duties for backing up, cutoffs, double plays, on-deck batter responsibilities, rundowns, pop-ups, offensive signals, first-and-third offense and defense, pickoffs, and pitchouts. This activity is best served just before the start of a season. The main reason for the short field is so everyone can easily hear the instructor talking.

Procedure: You will need two buckets of softballs, fungo bat, and gloves. Position two infielders, one on either side of second base, a few feet into the outfield grass where they would normally catch a cutoff throw. Set up a line of players in right field and a line of players in left field. One coach stands between home plate and first base. The other coach stands between home plate and third base. Each has a bucket of balls.A parent or coach should monitor both lines in the outfield. A coach, with a fungo bat, hits a fly bat to the first player in the right field line. The player throw’s the ball into the cutoff man at second base, runs along the outer part of the outfield, and returns to the end of the other outfield line. The other coach bats a fly to the first person in the left field line, who throws the ball into the cutoff man at shortstop. The fielder runs along the outer part of the outfield and returns to the end of the other outfield line. The more the coaches or parents are involved with this drill the safer it is for the players. If the ball is angled, fielders should run sideways with their lead shoulder pointing in the direction of the ball. If coaches accidentally ground a bail, the piayers should play it. Outfielders should charge a slow-moving ground ball.

]]>https://softballdrill.wordpress.com/2011/03/10/basic-softball-drills-outfield-fly-drill/feed/0MarcSoftball Infield Drills- Infield Square Drillshttps://softballdrill.wordpress.com/2010/09/15/softball-infield-drills-infield-square-drills/
https://softballdrill.wordpress.com/2010/09/15/softball-infield-drills-infield-square-drills/#respondWed, 15 Sep 2010 11:28:03 +0000http://softballdrill.wordpress.com/?p=305]]>Purpose: To put a lot of ground ball repetitions in a short period of time. To promote good fielding mechanics. Repetition in training is a good softball fielding tip

Procedure: You will need four people to hit ground balls and four people to catch. Also, each hitter will need a good supply of balls. All infielders and outfielders should be positioned at the four infield spots. Catchers can also go to an infield position unless needed to catch or hit.

At the younger levels, try to get other coaches or parents to hit and catch in order to ittpre of your players available to field ground balls. At the older levels, It is important to observe the mechanics and reinforce good habits. You may want to have a reward system for consistent good plays and/or accurate throws, this may help improve focus and concentration throughout the drill.